Tornadoes Damage 47 Residents' Houses In Central Pariaman, Genius Mayor Goes Down To The Field To Give Help

Pariaman Mayor Genius Umar (left) and Pariaman Regional Secretary Yota Balad (second right) visit one of the damaged houses (ANTARA)

PADANG - A total of 47 houses in Central Pariaman District, Pariaman City, West Sumatra, were damaged by a tornado on Thursday, December 22 at around 00.30 WIB.

"So far, there have been no reports of casualties, hopefully there won't be even though there are 20 housing units that were heavily damaged by this disaster," said Pariaman Mayor Genius Umar when inspecting the victim's house in Pariaman, Antara, Thursday afternoon.

Sub-districts and villages in Central Pariaman District that were affected by the tornado, namely in Jawi-Jawi II, Kampung Baru, Pondok II, Lohong and Taratak. Currently a number of residents are starting to repair their houses by installing new tin roofs. Losses due to this disaster are around Rp5-10 million per housing unit.

"We immediately provide spontaneous assistance, later in the afternoon after complete data collection we will provide other assistance," he said.

The assistance provided includes tarpaulins, rice, mats, blankets and others which are expected to reduce the burden on residents who are victims. He appealed to residents to increase vigilance because currently extreme weather often hits the area and surrounding areas.

"Be careful, if there is a potential danger in the neighborhood, avoid it immediately," he said.

Meanwhile, a resident of Jawi-jawi II Village who was a victim of the disaster, Herman (70) said before the incident he was watching television at his house, then it rained heavily and not long after that the rain subsided but was accompanied by strong winds.

"If you leave the house, you will be anxious, suddenly the roof is gone. Water has entered the house," he said.

Currently, the roof of the victim's house has been covered with a tarp so that he and his family do not get rained on. He is also grateful to get help from the local government so that it can reduce his burden.